Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Why You May Feel Cold Even in a Warm Room
Some people feel cold even when the room feels warm to others.
This is called cold intolerance.
One possible cause is an underactive thyroid, which slows the body’s metabolism and heat production.
Another cause is anaemia, where the blood does not carry enough oxygen to the body’s tissues.
Low iron or vitamin B12 can contribute to anaemia.
Raynaud’s disease can make the blood vessels in fingers and toes tighten, making them feel very cold.
Diabetes can damage nerves in the hands and feet.
Those damaged nerves may send cold signals to the brain even when the skin is not actually cold.
Persistent coldness at normal room temperatures is known as cold intolerance.
Hypothyroidism can slow metabolism and reduce the body’s production of heat.
Anaemia, including iron or vitamin B12 deficiency, can restrict oxygen delivery and cause chills.
Raynaud’s disease can sharply reduce blood flow to the fingers and toes.
Peripheral neuropathy linked to type 2 diabetes may create false signals of coldness.
- Who
- People who frequently feel cold despite normal room temperatures.
- What
- The article explains cold intolerance and four possible medical causes: hypothyroidism, anaemia, Raynaud’s disease and diabetic nerve damage.
- Where
- The sensation may affect the whole body or particularly the hands and feet, depending on the cause.
- Why
- Reduced metabolism, limited oxygen delivery, restricted blood circulation or damaged nerves can produce feelings of coldness.
- Medical term
- Cold intolerance
- Thyroid-related cause
- Hypothyroidism can reduce metabolic heat production.
- Blood-related cause
- Anaemia limits oxygen delivery to tissues; iron deficiency is identified as the most common variant.
- Nutrient link
- Vitamin B12 deficiency can disrupt red blood cell production.
- Vascular cause
- Raynaud’s disease causes small arteries to spasm and restrict circulation.
- Diabetes-related cause
- Peripheral neuropathy from prolonged high blood sugar can create false cold sensations.